Minnesota lawmakers want Lou Gehrig's medical records

Oct. 5, 2012
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A pair of Minnesota politicians are pressing legislation they hope could lead to the release of Lou Gehrig's medical records hoping to learn if the famed New York Yankees first baseman died of repetitive traumas from concussions, rather than amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. / AP

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, known to many as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a neurological condition but some Minnesota lawmakers want to see if concussions contributed to the development of Gehrig's condition.

A study in 2010 linked brain trauma in athletes to ALS.

Rep. Phyllis Kahn says the records "probably won't show anything but just in case they might it's ridiculous not to look at them."

Mayo Clinic spokesman Nick Hanson e-mailed the Associated Press that "patient medical records should remain private even after the patient is deceased."